Stop control for elevators

ABSTRACT

An elevator safety mechanism that includes a means for stopping movement of elevators in the event of earthquakes or other shocks.

United States Patent [191 Hamilton 51 Jan. 8, 1974 STOP CONTROL FOR ELEVATORS [75] Inventor: Douglas Hamilton, Baltimore, Md.

[73] Assignee: Elevator Safety Company,

Baltimore, Md.

[22] Filed: July 24, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 274,320

[52] US. Cl 187/73, 187/29, 200/61.45 [51] Int. Cl. B66b 5/16 [58] Field of Search 187/73, 91, 28, 1, 187/35, 39, 29; 212/39; 307/10; 254/174,

- 175; ZOO/61.45

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 394,952 12/1888 Baxter 254/175 572,525 12/1896 Casey 254/175 3,087,583 4/1963 Bruns 187/95 2,508,835 5/1950 Moon et a1. 187/73 X Primary Examiner-Evon C. Blunk Assistant ExaminerH. S. Lane Att0rneySherman Levy [57] 7 ABSTRACT An elevator safety mechanism that includes a means for stopping movement of elevators in the event of earthquakes or other shocks.

7 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures STOP CONTROL FOR ELEVATORS This invention relates to elevators, and more particularly to a means for automatically stopping movement of elevators in the event of earthquakes or other severe jarring.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a stop control mechanism for elevators so that in the event of a severe jarring resulting from an earthquake or other severe disturbance, an electrical circuit will be interrupted to shut down or close the elevator system.

A further object is to provide a stop control for elevators that is actuated'during periods of severe shock, and wherein the stop control of the present invention can be used on various types of elevators such as traction elevators or hydraulic elevators, and in one form of the present invention there is provided an auxiliary wheel that engages a corresponding traction member while in another form of the invention there is provided a sliding contact or brush for selectively maintaining the circuit in operative position.

Still another object is to provide such a stop control for elevators that is economical to manufacture and efficient in operation and which is rugged in structure and fool-proof in use.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification and claims, together with the accompanying drawings, wherein like parts are indicated by like reference numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an elevator illustrating one application of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevational view of the device per se.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view illustrating the device in operative condition.

FIG. 5 is a view generally similar to FIG. 3, but showing the parts in a different position causing the circuit to be broken.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the structure of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on the line 77 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view generally similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating a modified or alternative form of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a horizontal sectional view taken through the device of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side elevational view illustrating a further modified or alternative form of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken on the line l313 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view illustrating a counterweight guidance mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a side elevatioonal view of the apparatus of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary enlarged elevational view of the current-containing member with the counterweight brush elements slidably engaging the same.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 17-l7 of FIG. 16.

Referring in detail to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 7 of the drawings, the numeral 20 indicates a portion of an elevator system that includes the usual walls 21 and 22 as well as a cab or cage 23 and a member such as a counterweight 24, FIG. 2. The usual T-rails 25 may be provided as well as a cable assembly 26. The rails 25 may be supported on sectional members 27 that are suitably affixed to walls such as the walls 21. There is further provided roller guides that are indicated generally by the numeral 28, and the roller guides 28 include the usual wheels such as the wheels 29, 30 and 31. Studs 32, 33 and 34 are provided for these wheels and for these studs spring members 35, 36 and 37 are mounted thereon, the numeral 38 indicating the base of the roller guide 28. The roller guide 28 includes arms such as the arms 39 that are pivotally mounted, as shown in the drawings.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a suitable control for elevators whereby in the event of a severe earthquake or other severe shock, the up and down motion of the elevator cab 23 will be automatically stopped to provide a safety feature for elevators such as the elevator system 20. In order to accomplish this, in FIGS. 1 4 7 there is illustrated one form of the invention wherein there is provided a stop control safety device indicated generally by the numeral 40 that comprises a support member 41 that has a slot 42 therein for the projection therethrough of a pin 43. The support member 41 includes a first portion 44, FIG. 7, and the portion 44 has an aperture or opening 45 therein through which extends a stud or bolt 46, and a coil spring 47 is circumposed on the stud 46. The numeral 48 indicates a body piece that has a lug 49 suitably affixed thereto or formed integral therewith, and the lug or bracket 49 has an-aperture 50 therein for the projection therethrough of a corresponding stud or bolt.

The support member 41 further includes a portion 51 that is arranged at right angles with respect to the portion 44, and, as shown in FIG. 3, an offset portion 52 interconnects the portion 51 to an end portion 53, and the end portion 53 of the support member 41 has a stud 54 journaled therein which provides a support for an auxiliary wheel 55. The wheel 55 normally engages or contacts an auxiliary track 56 that is adapted to be insulated from the portion 58 of the wheel 55 by means of insulation 57. The rail 25 includes a base portion 59 as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 10 of the drawings, there is illustrated schematically a wiring diagram for the present invention wherein the numeral 122 indicates a transformer that may be suitably operatively connected to the control panel for the present elevator system, and the electrical circuit further includes relays 124 as well as wires or conductors 123.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, there is illustrated a modified or alternative stop control for elevators that is indicated generally by the numeral 63. In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, instead of using a wheel such as the auxiliary wheel 55, a sliding brush contact assembly is used. Thus, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the numeral 64 indicates a support member or arm that is adapted to be connected to the roller'guide 28 by means of a stud or bolt and nut assembly 65, and the circuit member 64 includes a first portion 66 through which the stud extends. The support member 64 further includes a second portion 67 that has a support portion 68 affixed thereto or formed integral therewith, and the numeral 69 indicates a contact or brush on the portion 68, and the brush 69 is mounted for sliding movement along an auxiliary track 70 on a channel 71 that may be insulated as at 72 from a spacer 73 on the portion 59 of the rail 25.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that there has been provided a stop control for elevators that will automatically stop the vertical movement of the elevator in the event ofa severe shock such as that which occurs during an earthquake or the like. In use with the parts arranged as shown in the drawings and more particularly as shown in FIGS. 1 7 and FIG. of the drawings, the parts are normally in a position as shown in FIG. 4 so that the auxiliary wheel 55 will move out of contact with the track 56 so that this will break or interrupt the electrical circuit shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 illustrates diagramatically or schematically the wiring diagram, and it is to be understood that when the electrical circuit is broken the usual control mechanism or control panel for the elevator will be deactivated so that no further movement of the elevator will be possible. Thus, severe injury, death or the like to occupants of the elevator will be minimized.

In the modifications of FIGS. 8 and 9 instead of using a rolling contact wheel 55, a sliding contact assembly 63 is adapted to be used, and in FIGS. 8 and 9 the brush 70 on the projection 69 is adapted to normally maintain the electrical circuit closed as the elevator functions in the usual manner. However, in the event of a severe shock, the brush 69 will be moved away from the track 70 to interrupt the circuit and stop any further movement of the elevator so that injury or death to the personnel in the elevator will be'minirnized.

The parts can be made of any suitable material and in different shapes and sizes as desired or required.

It will be seen that there has been provided a position sensing device with 360 directional coverage for elevators for instant stop control during during shock such as earthquake conditions. The present invention can be used for counterweights, traction elevators, hydraulic elevators or the like. The assembly includes a rolling contact wheel as shown in FIGS. 1 7 and 10 or a sliding contact as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 which rides on an auxiliary insulated track or suspended wire of low voltage such as 23 volts that runs the length of the shaft in both front and rear and rail-to-rail position. The electrical guide members are adapted to be affixed to or near the main guide members such as roller guides or sliding guides with the controlling contacts being totally insulated in closed electrical circuit which will actuate a shut-down control panel mounted on the master control panel of the elevator, breaking the electrical contact from the sliding shoe of the rail, activates the instant shut-down control. The system can only be reactivated by the elevator mechanic after full inspection and repair of the assembly.

The present invention may use either a complete cutoff switch or time delay to cause the elevator to go to the closest floor or an instant stop can be used. It is understood that various accessories can be used wherever needed, and, for example, A i'nch bronze wire supported with small clips for overheated circuits that may be adjustable can be provided wherever needed or required. Thus, there is provided a method of stopping the elevator when extreme vibrations occur, and the present invention is a switch assembly that is in a normally closed circuit that causes a control panel to be activated when a severe disturbance occurs so that a safety control is provided to stop the elevator. Thus, if there is a sufficient shock or vibration, the elevator will stop so that the people can get out of the elevator.

The present invention can be installed on new equipment or new elevator systems or existing systems can be readily modified to permit the device to be mounted thereon, and the present invention has a traveling safety switch in a normally closed circuit. The present invention will also function to stop further movements of the elevator in the event of vibrations or shock from bombs or any other disturbance beside earthquakes. The moving shoe contact 69 is adapted to engage the stationary auxiliary track 70 in the standard channel 71 that may be insulated as at 72 from the member 73.

' The present invention will not interfere with normal use or operation of the elevator and can only be actuated when a severe shock occurs.

The pin 43 in the slot 42 is arranged so that some sliding movement can occur without breaking the circuit, but, if there is a severe vibration, the parts will move from the position shown in FIG. '4 to the position shown in FIG. 5 to cause the contact to move from the track and break the circuit. The auxiliary track such as the track 56 or the track 70 extends the full length of the elevator shaft.

FIG. 2 illustrates a counterweight type of elevator, but it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to this type of elevator, but may be used with hydraulic elevators.

In the modification of FIGS. 8 and 9 a sliding type brush contact is used instead of the auxiliary wheel 55. The parts are spring-loaded to normally stay on the track or rail. There is provided a contact switch that rides on an insulated track that is connected to the main rail, and there is provided the normally closed circuit, and when the elevator is sufficiently jarred by an earthquake the electrical circuit will be broken or interrupted to actuate a master switch or control panel to stop the elevator. A support member such as the support member 41 can pivot about an axis such as the axis 74 when vibration occurs. The track 56 or 70 may be affixed to or placed in any suitable manner as by insulated rivets, adhesives or the like. As shown in the drawings, as long as the arm 55 engages the track 56, the circuit is closed, but, in the event of a severe jarring, the wheel 55 will move away from the track 56 to actuate the stop control which prevents further movement of the elevators.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 1 13 of the drawings, there is indicated a stop control mechanism for use with elevators comprising T-rails 81, and the numeral 82 indicates conventional roller guides having spring-loaded wheel 83 engaging the rail 81. A micro-switch 84 is suitably connected to each of the roller guides 82, and the micro-switch 84 may be electrically connected to the circuit by wires 85. The numeral 86 indicates an arm or lever that is pivotally supported as at 87, and the arm 86 may include a first portion 88 as well as a second portion 89, and the portions 88 and 89 are joined or interconnected by an offset portion 90, FIG. 12. The numeral 91 indicates an auxiliary wheel that is journaled in the portion 89 by means of a shaft or pin 92, and the auxiliary wheel 91 is mounted for travel or movement along the portion 93 of the rail 81. The nu meral 94 indicates a spring member that has its ends anchored as at 95 and 96 to the arm 36 and microswitch 84, whereby the spring 94 will normally urge or bias the wheel 91 into engagement with the portion 93 of the rail or track 81. The numeral 97 indicates a plunger or actuating pin for the micro-switch 84 and the actuating pin 97 is adapted to be selectively engaged by the adjacent edge of the portion 88 of the arm 86, as shown in FIG. 11. As shown in the drawings, there is provided the usual arms 9% for the wheels 83 of the roller guide 32.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 14 17 of the drawings wherein there is illustrated a counterweight system that includes counterweights 99 and rails or tracks 100, and the numeral 101 indicates stop control devices that include conductors 102 that have a spring member 103 suspending the upper end thereof from an anchor 104 on an overhead structure 105.

The numeral 106 indicates an insulator that has a rail clamp 100 connected thereto, FIG. 16, and a lever or arm 108 is connected to each roller guide 109. The numeral 110 indicates a securing element or screw member that may be spring-loaded as at 111, and a fastener or nut 112 is arranged in threaded engagement with a threaded portion of the securing element 110. The contact shoe 113 is pivotally connected to a bracket 115 as at 116, and the shoe 113 includes a portion 114 for sliding engagement or contact with the rail 102. The numeral 117 indicates a supporting piece that is connected to the insulator 106 for engaging the wire rail 102, as shown in FIG. 16. An opening 118 in the lever 108 provides clearance for the projection therethrough of the securing element 110 whereby the parts can move slightly, as later described in this application.

With the device 80 of FIGS. 11 13, the parts are arranged or constructed so that in theevent of a certain amount of vibration or jarring there will be no interruption of the circuit or associated mechanism since contact will be maintained. However, if there is sufficient vibration or shock from an earthquake or the like, the circuit will be broken or interrupted due to the provision of the micro-switch 84. The micro-switch 84 is operated by means of the conductors 8S, and it is to be understood that one of the devices 80 is arranged on I each side of the elevator, and thesedevices 80 are suitably operatively connected together in series. The wheel 91 is mounted or journaled on the spring-loaded arm 86, and the arm 86 can pivot about the pivot pin 87, the wheel 91 being journaled on the end of the arm 86 as at 92. The opposite end of the arm 86 normally engages the point 97 of the micro-switch 84 to maintain a closed circuit. Sliding outward movement of the wheel 91 will permit the corresponding end portion 88 to move a slight distance which will not be enough to break the contact or circuit. However, when the wheel 91 moves out beyond a certain distance, the end portion 88 of the arm or lever 86 will disengagefrom the contact 97 and open the circuit to thereby stop the elevator to prevent damage or injury to the personnel. The spring 94 serves to bias or urge the arm 86 in the proper direction.

With reference to the device 101 shown in FIGS. 14 17, this construction also allows slight movement of the parts so that there will be no interruption of the circuit during the normal slight vibrations that occur when the elevator is being used. However, in the event of a severe shock or vibration that results from an earthquake or the like, the spring 111 and associated parts will provide sufficient give and clearance to permit the arm or lever 108 to move and interrupt the circuit. Thus, for slight vibrations during normal use of the elevator the opening 118 in the lever 108 will permit slight movement of the parts with uninterrupted circuit, but in the event of a major disturbance or shock, the arm 108 will move a sufficient distance to engage the fastener 112 so as to separate the shoe 113 and its contact part 114 from the rail 102 to stop the movement of the elevator. Further, the usual roller guide wheels 119 can leave the track for small distances, and there is enough play in the area of the spring 111 in the area 120, and the brushes 114 are spring-loaded as at 111 so that when the wheels 119 move out far enough, they will pull the brushes 114 off of the wire rail 102 to stop further movement of the elevator.

FIGS. 14 l7 illustrate a typical counterweight application of the present invention using a sliding dual brush and wire principle, and it is believed that this is the most practical way to use the present invention with counterweights. One of the major problems is with the counterweight leaving the rail due to excessive shock. When this happens the counterweight is free to swing and acts as a battering ram. Further, when the car passes the counterweight when it is off the rails, the counterweight can collide with the car and even go through the cab, and this has been known to happen. Also, in the case of the car leaving the rails, with either a hydraulic type on a piston or a traction type supported with cables, excessive damage to the car and injury to the occupants may result or occur. The present invention is intended to cover the concept of having a limit switch on the guide or follower wheel. Thus, the follower wheel, when leaving the rail face, may travel a distance of approximately /8 inch to actuate the switch andshut down the car which already has a cutoff switch in its control system, and this of course relates to cars only. Also, the car application will not require the suspended bronze wire such as the wire 102 shown in FIG. 16. Thus, there is a counterweight problem which the brush and wire concepts fits ideally, and heretofore there has been no way of handling this problem. There is also a car problem which must be treated differently, either by use of a wheel on the guide or independently of the guide to act as a limit switch cutoff. The counterweight system works on low voltage (32 volts) because it is exposed and the car system works on a normal voltage because it can be electromechanically constructed and not exposed.

In FIGS. 11 13 the micro-switch 84 functions as a cutoff switch, and a pair of these switches are provided to be operatively connected together. Thus, in FIGS. 11 13 a dual mechanical cutoff switch using existing car voltage and any movement in excess of inch will activate the cutoff switch to effect an accelerated controlled stop or wired to time or zone switch delay cutoff allowing the car to proceed manually to the nearest floor and stop, and this can be re-set only by the elevator mechanic. FIGS. 11 13 illustrate a typical car monitor guide cutoff switch that can be wired to existing control or monitoring existing slide guide shoes.

In FIGS. 14 17 the clamps 107 may be suitably connected to the rails 100, and the support members 117 can be insulated as at 106 from the rail clamps 107, and the members 117 help support a bronze wire rail 102 that can be stretched from the top of the elevator shaft to the bottom. The wire rail 102 can be under spring tension and insulated,'and the wire rail may be supported at intervals by rail clamps and clips as needed or desired. As an alternate arrangement, bronze bars approximately 3/16 inch X 1/1 inch can be used in place of the round wire 102. In FIG. 17 there is illustrated a detail of the spring-loaded dual contact bronze shoe as at 111, and FIGS. 14 17 illustrate a typical bronze wire rail for a counterweight guide monitor.

FIG. illustrates a typical wiring diagram of a stop circuit or current reduction from 230 volts to 32 volts, wherein there is provided a transformer 122 with conductors 123, and relays 124 may be electrically connected in the circuit. As an alternative arrangement, a time or Zone switch delay cutoff can be wired into the circuit to allow the elevator to proceed to the nearest floor at very low speed and then stop.

With further reference to the counterweight application shown in FIGS. 14 17, the numeral 99 indicates a counterweight. and the numeral 107 indicates typical rail clamps, while the contact bronze wire 102 is mounted vertically on the rail with insulated clips. There is also provided the dual brush contact for both top guides, and there can be insulated and connected as shown on the counterweight monitor guide. The counterweight brush contact can be a roller guide. A brush contact may be added to the contact shoe in the roller guide. The correct application monitor wheel is an independent member and is adapted to have spring pressure to keep the wheel in contact with the rail face independent of the spring pressure on the roller guide wheel. This independent pivoting roller guide wheel operates the cut-off switch. The actual location of the cut-off switch may be in the position shown or it may be slightly higher as needed.

It will now be clear that there is provided a device which accomplishes the objectives heretofore set forth. While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred form, it is to be understood that the specific embodiments thereof as described and illustrated herein is not to be considered in a limited sense as there may be other forms or modifications of the invention which should also be construed to come within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

stop control for elevatorscomprising T-rails, rol- "'iigiitisiivin spiiii iiid'd wheels engaging said rail, a support member connected to said roller guide and having an auxiliary wheel journaled therein, an auxiliary track insulated from said rail and engaged by said auxiliary wheel, and an electrical circuit having said auxiliary wheel and track electrically connected btlete a 2. In an elevator system having a shaft, vertically disposed guide rails within said shaft, an elevator cab located adjacent to said guide rails, a plurality of guide rollers mounted on said cab and engageable with said rails, and means for moving said cab; the improvement comprising auxiliary track means vertically disposed within said shaft, a source of electrical energy connected to said track means, electrical contact means 3. The structure as defined in claim 2 in which said auxiliary track means includes an electro-conductive material mounted on said guide rails and insulated therefrom.

4. The structure as defined in claim 2 in which said auxiliary track means is a wire rail independently sup- I ported within said shaft and extending substantially the entire length thereotl 5. The structure as defined in claim 2 in which said I electrical contact means carried by said cab includes wheel means mounted for rolling movement along said track means.

6. The structure as defined in claim 2 in which said electrical contact means carried by said cab includes brush means mounted for sliding movement along said track means.

7. The structure as defined in claim 2 including resil ient means urging said electrical contact means into engagement with said track means and permitting slight movement of said cab relative to said guide rails, and stop means for limiting movement of said electrical Contact means. 

1. A stop control for elevators comprising T-rails, roller guides having spring-loaded wheels engaging said rail, a support membEr connected to said roller guide and having an auxiliary wheel journaled therein, an auxiliary track insulated from said rail and engaged by said auxiliary wheel, and an electrical circuit having said auxiliary wheel and track electrically connected thereto.
 2. In an elevator system having a shaft, vertically disposed guide rails within said shaft, an elevator cab located adjacent to said guide rails, a plurality of guide rollers mounted on said cab and engageable with said rails, and means for moving said cab; the improvement comprising auxiliary track means vertically disposed within said shaft, a source of electrical energy connected to said track means, electrical contact means carried by said cab and normally engaging said track means to complete a normally closed electrical circuit, and means in said closed circuit for disabling said means for moving said cab, whereby opening said normally closed circuit prevents the motion of said cab.
 3. The structure as defined in claim 2 in which said auxiliary track means includes an electro-conductive material mounted on said guide rails and insulated therefrom.
 4. The structure as defined in claim 2 in which said auxiliary track means is a wire rail independently supported within said shaft and extending substantially the entire length thereof.
 5. The structure as defined in claim 2 in which said electrical contact means carried by said cab includes wheel means mounted for rolling movement along said track means.
 6. The structure as defined in claim 2 in which said electrical contact means carried by said cab includes brush means mounted for sliding movement along said track means.
 7. The structure as defined in claim 2 including resilient means urging said electrical contact means into engagement with said track means and permitting slight movement of said cab relative to said guide rails, and stop means for limiting movement of said electrical contact means. 